Krab Howitzers evolve: Upgrade fundraiser fights drone threat
Polish Krab self-propelled howitzers have been engaged in combat in Ukraine since the early months of the war. Dozens of these transferred units have proven both their effectiveness and high-quality craftsmanship. Based on combat experiences, Ukrainians are implementing their own modifications to make the Krab even better.
The Krabs fighting in Ukraine have been outfitted with additional equipment, such as shields designed to protect them from drone attacks. Photos and videos from Ukraine display howitzers with mesh screens safeguarding the sides of the hull, or distinctive cages securing the turret. Such modified Krabs have been showcased by, among others, the 26th Artillery Brigade.
However, this is not the end of the modifications. As reported by Defence 24, in mid-April, volunteers from the organization Dzyga's Paw launched a fundraising campaign to equip the Krabs of the 26th and 40th Artillery Brigades.
The aim of the fundraising is to secure funds for retrofitting 15 self-propelled howitzers. The modified Krabs will receive not only mesh screens and cages but also anti-drone jammers. The installation of additional equipment on the first Krabs was shown in a shared video.
The self-propelled howitzers are to be secured by low-cost (about $7,000 per set) but effective jammers. Compared to the cost of a Krab - estimated at over $11 million - the cost of a jammer is very low.
Modifications to Krabs
The first Krab self-propelled howitzers arrived in Ukraine in mid-2022 as part of military aid from Poland. They performed so well that Ukraine, independently of the 54 howitzers provided by Poland, decided to purchase an additional 54 units along with accompanying vehicles for a record export order amounting to about $715 million.
Experiences from Ukraine clearly demonstrate the importance of not only the armor of the self-propelled howitzers, which protects them from close explosions of artillery shells or missiles, but also anti-drone protection. By the end of 2024, the Russians had managed to destroy or temporarily eliminate from combat at least 36 Krabs.
The howitzers fall victim not only to artillery fire but also to various types of drones, as well as loitering munitions from the Lancet family. As recordings of unsuccessful Russian attacks show, additional physical barriers can, in some cases, save valuable equipment from destruction. The chances of survival will significantly increase when jammers are added to the physical protections.
